Look Local Magazine, Issue 124, March 2023

Exclusive Competition

Hello Readers,

Welcome to the March 2023 issue of Look Local Magazine.

For a chance to win complimentary tickets for a family of four to a Thame Players’ production * answer the following question: Who travels from England to Monte Carlo?

Email your answer with your name and contact details to info@look-localmagazine.co.uk by 31st August

Monday 20th marks the first day of Spring and I can feel that this season is most definitely already in the air with temperatures slowly rising and lighter nights starting to appear which will only get better when the clocks go forward on Sunday 26th March.

Tickets

*There are five Thame Players’ productions a year. See website for details.

So what better time get out and about and enjoy the abundance of beautiful Chiltern countryside we have around us. If you enjoy walking and are looking for a challenge to kick start your fitness moving into the warmer months then turn to page 16 for information on how to take part in this years Big Walk which is organised by local charity, PACE.

If you are Chinnor based, the Community Pavilion have some great entertainment this month in the form of a Greek Pop Up Food Event on Friday 24th and a Stand Up Comedy Night on Saturday 25th (tickets are on sale at the Pavilion now). Mothers Day falls this month (Sunday 19th) so if you’d like to get out and about locally why not treat your mum to Afternoon Tea at Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway.

For our Watlington & Chalgrove based readers there’s a Food & Craft event taking place at The Great Hall in Cholsey Meadows on Saturday 25th from 9am - 1pm.

I also wanted to take this opportunity to say how saddened I was to hear about the closing of Newitts Butchers in Thame which is unfortunately one of a few local shops in our towns and villages that have been forced to close their doors due to rising costs. This highlights just how important it is that we continue to use and support our local businesses, shops and service providers. Please therefore do peruse my little magazine at your leisure and give these businesses a call before jumping on Google. Similarly, if you are a local businesses looking for an affordable and cost-effective way to promote yourself, please do get in touch and I will do what I can to support you.

Until next month, enjoy reading...

Love Emma x

For Advertising contact 07707 386034 or

Email: info@look-localmagazine.co.uk

Web: www.look-localmagazine.co.uk

: Look Local Magazine

: Look_Local_Mag

7,100 copies of Look Local Magazine are printed on a monthly basis and delivered to households in, Aston Rowant, Chalgrove, Chinnor, Crowell, Great Haseley, Great Milton, Henton, Kingston Blount, Lewknor, Little Milton, Milton Common, Postcombe, Sydenham, Tetsworth, Towersey and Watlington. In addition, the magazine can also be picked up from businesses in these areas and also Thame & Wheatley.

CONTENTS

07. Home & Garden Loft Ladders you can trust from Home County Loft Ladders.

08. editorial PC Support and Advice with PCHelp4U.

16. News & Events

Whats On in our local area.

17. Competition WIN Thame Players Theatre tickets.

18. Sound of music

This months music scene with Simon Markland.

24. INTERIORS

Frequently asked Questionsof a Stone Mason by Coulon Stone.

26. home & Garden

Over the Garden Gate with Mimosa Garden Design.

BOOKING DEADLINE for April 2023 issue:

Wednesday 22nd March

Front Cover Image by Photo by Sixteen Miles Out, Unsplash.

JOIN OUR TEAM

PRE-SCHOOL SUPERVISOR

Key Requirements:

✓ Level 3 early years education and childcare qualification or equivalent

✓ A passion for working with children and for creating a welcoming , nurturing and happy environment

FOR MORE INFO: preschool@jackandjillchinnor.onmicrosoft.com

Need help with your PC?

01844 292989 or 01491 670014

The response to our computer repair & support advertising in the Look Local Magazine continues to be overwhelming and we continue to gain lots of new clients on our books, many of whom have signed up to our monthly, remote support cover. Below are just some of our clients’ thoughts on our services:

“PChelp4U are 100% professional 100% of the time. Willing and able to take on any PC problem I’ve had, quickly and efficiently with very reasonable fees. My PC is extremely important to me and it is comforting to know that PChelp4U is just a phone call away.”

Jan Collins, Thame

“I can’t thank PChelp4U enough for sorting out my serious computer problem. I have never, in dealings with any company, had such prompt and wonderful service from all the staff and what’s more they kept me informed of what they had to do to resolve the problem. I would have no hesitation in recommending this company to sort out your computer problems and I know of other people in my area who have used them as well and are very, very satisfied with their response.”

Anne Webb, Watlington

“I am really pleased to have found you having received very poor advice and workmanship from others. As a complete “non-techie” I need someone who listens to my issues and without patronising me will go away and fix things for me plus explaining matters to me in language I can understand. Thank goodness I found you guys at PChelp4U because that’s just what you do for me - well done." Phil

Simmons, Chalgrove

“I first discovered PChelp4U about a year ago when I was having problems with my laptop. Unfortunately, after trying several things it proved to be irreparable. However, Ben was extremely helpful in finding me a new one which suited my needs & price range perfectly. I was very happy with the service I received, especially having it brought to my home & set up for me. I would definitely use this company again for any PC problems & certainly recommend!” -

Sonia Max, Thame

“I am extremely grateful for the help received from PChelp4U after I had been the victim of an online scam. Their first thoughts were for me and making sure that the culprits would not be able to take any more money from my account. The information, help and professional courtesy received from everyone I spoke to will be remembered, always, and I have no hesitation in recommending PChelp4U.”

- Denise Ballard, Watlington

“The young man who came out to help was excellent. Thank you. Computer been great since I got it back.” - Dawn

Micklem, Chinnor

“Super professional company to deal with and very friendly staff.” -

Mike Smith, Thame

Read more at: www.pc-help-4u.co.uk/testimonials

Website: www.pc-help-4u.co.uk

Email: support@pc-help-4u.co.uk

Welcome to our farm shop where we stock

Wild Bird Feed

Pet Food - brands include Natures Way & Chudleys

Heygates Farm Animal Feed

Animal Care including, Hay, Straw, Wood Shavings for Horses, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs

Snowflake range of shavings, Bedmax & Littlemax Animal Bedding

Bulldog Gardening Tools

Garden Sundries & Seeds

Erin and Melcourt Compost & Barks

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm Saturday, 9:00am - 4:00pm

Tel No: 01865 874636

Address: Old London Road, Wheatley, OX33 1YW

Website: www.wheatleyfarmshop.co.uk

SPECIAL OFFERS ON COMPOST

Mix and Match! Erin multi-purpose / tree, shrub and rose / ericaceous 50 litre bag £6.99 each or 2 for £12.00

Melcourt Sylvagrow peat free 40 litre bag £7.99 each or 2 for £15.00

The BIG WALK returns on 22nd April in support of Pace Charity...

This year’s Pace BIG Walk routes will take in the ancient Ridgeway Trail.

There is a choice of 18m (Watlington to Wendover), 12m (Chinnor to Wendover), 6m (Princes Risborough to Wendover) or The Superhero Mile routes.

There is something to suit all ages and abilities. This is a great opportunity to set yourself a challenge for 2023 and have some outdoor fun.

For many of the children at Pace just achieving independent mobility is a huge achievement and takes years of practice. Whether it’s taking one step or learning to use a motorised wheelchair the challenges they overcome to be independent are ginormous. So by taking part in the BIG Walk, you will not only have the opportunity to explore this beautiful countryside in a completely unique way, but you will also be helping us to provide life changing support to babies, children and young people with neurodisabilities.

To sign up visit https://thepacecentre.org/ event/the-big-walk/

Celebrate and remember loved ones with Forever Forget-Me-Nots at Waddesdon Manor ...

Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity has partnered with the magnificent Waddesdon Manor to launch a very special Forever Flowers event to celebrate and remember loved ones this spring.

A stunning, temporary display of 1,000 bespoke metal Forget-Me-Not flowers will be installed in the Aviary Gardens at Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury in April. Each flower will represent the life, love and memories of a loved one.

The charity is offering you the opportunity to be a part of this event by dedicating one of these limited Forever Forget-Me-Nots, which also includes an invitation to a private viewing of the display on Monday 17th April whilst the grounds are closed to the public. The Forever Forget-Me-Nots installation will then remain on display to the public for two weeks. Once the installation is removed, those who have dedicated a flower will be able to take it home to display as a forever keepsake.

By dedicating a Forever Forget-Me-Not you will be helping the charity to provide excellent local hospice care and be there for more patients and families across Buckinghamshire and its borders.

To dedicate a Forever Forget-Me-Not visit https://www.fnhospice.org.uk/foreverflowers or call 01296 429975 for more information.

Sound of Music

Welcome to our March music page

Here you will find information on local musical events, upcoming concerts and where to find the best music tuition in the area.

Thame has a variety of fantastic opportunities for budding musicians who wish to join together with other likeminded people. From bands to choirs to bell ringing! We also host a huge variety of annual musical events.

Music in the Park

This fantastic local 1 day music festival will be taking place on Sunday 30th April!

Having taken place in Elms Park Thame over the last 10 years, the festival has grown from strength to strength, offering a unique opportunity for local musicians, bands and acoustic acts to gain valuable performance experience and share their talents within the local area. Alongside this artists flock from far and wide to be a part of the day!

This year you can expect:

- 3 stages, all showing off the best musical talent from Thame and beyond

- 2 bars, multiple food stalls and merchandising

- A friendly family atmosphere

- Ben’s Busk Stop which offers a great opportunity for budding performers to get up and have a go on the day!

Tickets will be available from the Town Hall, local businesses and on the gate, come along for a musical mainstay in your

local town!

For further information please search ‘Music In The Park’ via Facebook or via their website: www.musicinthepark.org.uk

Musical Mayhem - is an awardwinning live music experience giving babies and toddlers in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire a lively introduction to traditional, modern and original children’s songs. The groups is now back for wonderful and creative live sessions!

They are providing regular weekly musical sessions in various local spaces with a different theme every week! Children are encouraged to sing along, use a large variety of instruments and explore different sensory props and activities.

They are called Musical Mayhem for a reason - embracing the chaos that comes with little people! The children don’t have to sit still on your lap - let them wriggle, dance and express themselves and the session teachers do love a bit of cheeky heckling from the audience.

The classes are suitable from birth up to school age and are highly interactive with colourful props, hand puppets, masks, scarves and parachute games to bring the songs to life. There is also a sprinkling of computer magic so make sure you look out for that!

As well as stimulating the cognitive development of babies and young children, they aim to make Musical Mayhem a special, shared experience for you and your little ones that will inspire in them a lifelong love of music and give you many happy memories of singing together.

For further information on current classes and to make a booking please visit their website via: www.musicalmayhemuk.co.uk

Regular Local Live Music

The First Thursday Music Club

FTMC have now moved home, after 10 great years at the Stables behind the James Figg pub they have now relocated to a bigger room at Thame Snooker Club in central Thame. The room can hold a lot more people, there is a stage and room for instruments, the artists, and the sound

guys. The club have their own dedicated bar and loos. There is also ample free parking right outside.

The dates are on the first Thursday of each month. Please search ‘The First Thursday Music Club’ via Facebook for further information.

This feature is brought to you by Simon Markland of Thame

Music Academy

Tel: 07743 032292

Email: info@thamemusicacademy.com

Web: www.thamemusicacademy.com

GUARDIANSHIP WILLS WITH INTEGRITY

THE IMPORTANCE OF A WILL

Having a will is arguably one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. Not only can a will legally protect your spouse, children, and assets, it can also spell out exactly how you would like things handled after you have passed on.

For further information or experienced advice regarding Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney and Funeral Plans contact Michael Bradley

Aston Hearing have been in Thame for the past 6 years.

We are delighted and excited to welcome you to our new premises in Greyhound Lane, Thame. Please call in to say hello - hope to see you soon.

Kate & Duncan Collet-Fenson Directors of Aston Hearing

Styling colour

The Frequently Asked Questions of a Stone Mason...

Humans began arranging rocks to create shelters for themselves 12,000 years ago, making stone masonry one of history’s oldest crafts. Stone masonry has developed over time and now takes many forms and specialisms, but yet it’s still generally a little-knownabout industry. We ask the stone masons at Coulon Stone what questions they get asked regularly.

What is a Stone Mason?

Combining the skills of artisan craftsman, builders, designers, engineers and geologists, a stone mason cuts and prepares stone to build or repair stone structures and surfaces. This includes structures and surfaces in domestic homes like kitchen worktops or fire surrounds, in businesses like stone copings around swimming pools or stone floors. It also includes the restoration of historical buildings and creating headstones and monuments. Some companies may specialise in one particular type of stone masonry like domestic surfaces or historical building restoration, whilst others may have the skills and equipment to work on a variety of projects.

How did you become a Stone Mason?

There’s a variety of routes in to stone masonry. Many people may be following in the footsteps of a family member, some may join an apprenticeship scheme, and some may start out on a building site and decide to specialise in stone masonry. Some colleges offer stone masonry courses, but many people learn the specialist skills of stone masonry on the job.

Is it a dangerous job?

Throughout history stone masonry has been notoriously dangerous. Lifting, moving, cutting and chiselling heavy slabs and blocks of stone with primitive tools and processes left stone masons vulnerable to accidents and exposed to large amounts of dust. However modern technology means risks are much, much lower. Cranes and trolleys, CNC cutting machines and dust masks are just some of the tools keeping stone masons safe at work today.

If you have a question for one of our stone mason’s at Coulon Stone please get in-touch via our website www.coulonstone.com or visit our workshop in Stokenchurch, where you can see our stone mason’s at work, we would love to show you around.

Home & Garden

Look locally over the garden gate with Lucie Giselle Ponsford

March’s muddy to marvellous garden design tip is all about your fence lines! Pretty boring to put time and money into but they will reduce the background with this cheap and easy technique.

It is important in our suburban homes to reduce the impact of our garden boundaries, which can often be dominant on three sides of our garden space. Closeboard fencing is about 6ft in height and the timber’s straight lines can be quite imposing especially when the garden within needs evolving.

A go-to favourite of mine and it falls into an easy DIY makeover is to paint your fence with a dark grey, I like Urban Slate by Cuprinol (other paints are available).

What is fascinating about this colour choice is, unlike your internal walls, painting your fences dark grey creates a void rather than drawing the walls in. Your eyes are thrown to the skies to take in the wide landscape of the great outdoors.

This colour works for cottage gardens and contemporary spaces and teams well with cream paving as well as fashionable greys. The extra flare comes with the planting in front which can be screening pleached trees or statement multi-stems like magnolia or syringa (lilac tree). Even lovely high herbaceous plantings make use of the block colour, turning a practical necessity into a deliberate design choice.

Techniques for applying: it takes time so try to get the family involved for a swift hit if you can. I like to use a small gloss roller and a brush for cutting in. I have tried spray guns in the past but I would caution against their use because the droplets go everywhere. New fences absorb more paint and you will want to be careful that you are not loading the brush too much and leaving drips on your neighbour’s side of the fence.

It is an easy meditative job for a spring day and makes a wonderful impact.

With love, Lucie

For more garden tips and information visit my Facebook page @mimosagardendesign

CONTACT ME

Email: info.mimosadesign@gmail.com

Call: 07737 286784

Voted the Best Antique Centre in the UK

DURING THESE TOUGH ECONOMIC TIMES WE ARE MAKING OUR VENDORS THOUSANDS OF POUNDS AND WE GUARANTEE THE LOWEST COMMISSION RATES!

Our sellers fees have not increased since 2002 and we do not intend to now which simply means more money in your pocket when choosing to sell with us.

** NEXT SALE: 1ST MARCH 12 NOON **

Lot 10 – ROLEX, OYSTER PERPETUAL GMT, A VINTAGE STAINLESS STEEL GENT’S WRISTWATCH

Estimated: £9,000£10,000

Lot 500: LAWRENCE STEPHEN LOWRY R.A (BRITISH 1887-1976) OIL ON BOARD TITLED ‘LADY WAITING’

Estimated: £100,000 - £150,000

Lot 599 – LAND ROVER SERIES 1, REGISTRATION TSY 271, 1954, 1997CC

Estimated: £10,000 - £20,000

Lot 602: IN THE MANNER OF JOHN MCLEAN, A PAIR OF REGENCY PERIOD ROSEWOOD, MAHOGANY AND PARCEL GILT OPEN BOOKCASES’

Estimated: £5,000 - £8,000